Journal Number 97
November 2005

HISTORICAL REPRINT

From TF Cheeseman's Illustrations of the New Zealand Flora, Vol.II, Government Printer, 1914.
Drawings by Miss Matilda Smith, engraved by John Nugent Fitch.

BULBOPHYLLUM TUBERCULATUM

[ family ORCHIDACEÆ .]         [GENERA BULBOPHYLLUM , THOURS.]

Bulbophyllum tuberculatum , Col. in Trans. N.Z. Inst. xvi (1884), 326; Cheesem. Man. N.Z. Fl. 664.

Bulbophyllum tuberculatum, the … species figured on the accompanying plate, is a charming
but little-known plant.

It was first described, by Mr. Colenso in 1884, from specimens col1ected by Mr. A. Hamilton
at Petane, Hawke's Bay. At a later date Mr. Hamilton also gathered it in woods near Palmerston
North. It has since been found near Kaitaia by Mr. R. H. Matthews, in the Lower Waikato by Mr
Carse, in the East Cape district by Mr. L. Wail, and near Collingwood by Mr. Dall.

In all probability it is not uncommon in forest districts in the North Island and the northern
portions of the South Island; but as it is principally found on the upper branches of tall forest
trees it is not at all easy to detect its presence.

Although agreeing in habit with B. pygmæum, it differs in the larger size, 2 - 4-flowered peduncles,
and larger flowers with a bright orange-red lip. The lip of B. pygmæum is always white.

PLATE 191B. Bulbophyllum tuberculatum
drawn from specimens collected near Kaitaia by Mr. R. H. Matthews.
Figs. 13 and 14, different views of flower (x 8);
15 and 16, front and side view of lip (greatly enlarged);
17, column (greatly enlarged);
18, ripe capsule (x 4).